kphaam

Hi,

I just bought a Peugeot PGN-10 which has:
- 6 speed Maillard Helicomatic freewheel
- Sachs Huret derailleurs
- Mavic rims
Since the rim eyelets are rusty and the freewheel slips at one gear, I'd like to replace both the front and rear wheels.
I've found some pairs on eBay from the same seller. Which one should I get and since the original rear hub is 126, 6 speed, can I go with 7, 8 or 9 speed freewheel?

Thank you

1/ Wolber Super Champion 700c x 23 Wheelset Suzue Hubs Regina Oro Cog | eBay

2/ Mavic CXP33 Wheelset 700 x 23 Mavic SSC Hubs 7 Speed Cassette | eBay

3/ Mavic Open Pro Wheelset 700c x 23 Ultegra Hubs 9 Speed Contintental | eBay

4/ Weinmann Wheelset 700c x 23 Clincher Campagnolo Hubs 32h Continental Tires | eBay

5/ Mavic CXP10 Aero Wheelset 700c x 23 Campagnolo Hubs Campagnolo 8 Speed | eBay

CliffordK

A freewheel is easy to replace, and should cost you around $20 to $30, or even less if you source it used. Make sure your chain isn't stretched, and generally replace the chain if you buy a new freewheel.

You can often find good used wheels on 'Craigslist for under $50 to $100, and no shipping.

Measure the space between your dropouts and ask the seller.

Do you want to keep an older 6 speed freewheel, or do you want to try upgrading? A 7 speed cassette should also be a good option. Going to 9 or 10 speed will take some tinkering.

willie52

None of the above. Buy new. Call a couple of decent shops and ask what they have in stock, or can get.You might be surprised at what's available for reasonable money, as long as you don't go too exotic. I wouldn't use your original hubs if they were good, never had good luck with Helicomatics, but I would stay period correct. IMHO

Lascauxcaveman 

Are the original wheels 27" or 700c? It'll make a difference if your brakes are a fairly short reach. I like the idea of taking by your LBS, too. I did that back when my old Lambert needed new wheels and got outta there for $80, with new Weinmann RM19 rims that I'm still using un another bike.

D1andonlyDman

Given that you have a 126mm OLD steel frame, you can either go the Freewheel route - which limits you to 6 or 7 speeds in the back, or you could get a 130mm OLD spaced modern wheel, which opens up 8-10 speed rear configurations (but the high end of that will require new derailleurs, new chain, and new, costly shifters).

The Craigslist route usually is easy if you need a 130mm OLD wheel, but I find that 126mm OLD freewheel-type wheels are hard to find on CL in good condition - most of the used ones are quite old and have often not been well maintained. Best bet might be to pick up a 700c 126mm freewheel type rear wheel, and either the matching front wheel, or any used front wheel in good shape on CL

Some examples of the right size wheelsets:

700c Wheels Set QR Weinmann 36h Alloy 126mm Freewheel Hub for Vintage Road Bike | eBay

Sun M13 Silver 700c SEALED Bearing Road Bike Wheels 126mm Fits Vintage Bikes | eBay

You'll also need a freewheel. Shimano 7-speed freewheels work fine, and sell on ebay for around $20 or so.

kphaam

Thank you all for your advice.
I'm still hesitating....
What about these sets? I kind like the silver better than the black one.

1/ Nice Vintage Trek 700c 36 Spoke Clincher Wheelset Maillard 700 Helicomatic 13 24 | eBay

2/ Mavic CXP22 Track Fixed Gear Single Speed Wheels Wheelset Silver 32h Formula Hub | eBay

jimmuller 

That "Mavic CXP22 Track Fixed Gear Single Speed..." says "single speed". You putting this on a single-speed conversion?

You may be over-thinking this but there are things to think about. There is no need to stick to a Helicomatic hub if you are replacing wheels. Do you want such high gears 13-24? To fix a slipping gear you may need just a FW. Lots of options than just those wheels.

RobbieTunes

We can't do your shopping for you, but it appears you have no interest in remaining with Helicomatic on the rear. I'll assume you want to swap wheels, then.
You said it was 126, so you can likely find a great set of used wheels, likely at $100 or lower, with either a 6sp or 7sp freehweel already attached.
The range would vary, as far as quality or price, and it depends on your area.
There is a set of Maillard 500 wheels here, with a 7speed freewheel on it, in nice shape, for $100.
That's just an example. My area generally has 2-3 sets at any given time on CL.
Not sure where you are, but even eBay has them.

oddjob2

The ebay sets you are looking at are pricey, you could buy a whole bike for those prices. Velomine.com is hard to beat for value. Shimano 105 hubs are excellent. The set below is hard to beat, I have them on my Miami Vice Ironman. Don't fret about the 130mm spacing, that's only 2mm per side, not even 1/10". It will fit easy peasy.

Mavic CXP22 Shimano 105 5800 11s Hubs Silver Road Bike Wheelset [640117] - $149.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike

If you want 126mm, go with thee:
Sun CR18 Road Bike Sealed Bearing 700c Wheelset 126mm Rear [072774744381] - $120.00 Velomine.com : Worldwide Bicycle Shop, fixed gear track bike wheelsets campagnolo super record vintage bike